It was during the 1960s that the RAAF was looking to replace its Vampire and Winjeel trainers for an all-jet pilot training syllabus and the Aermacchi MB-326H (simply known as the Macchi) was selected for this purpose in August 1965. Photo via RAAF
The Hunter Fighter Collection (HFC) team is diligently preparing the CAC CA-30 Macchi MB-326H (Ex-RAAF A7-024) for static display at the entrance of Hunter Warbirds – Scone NSW Museum. The aircraft has been meticulously worked on by the HFC volunteer technical team over several months. The fuselage has been repaired and the surface prepared for painting, involving the repair of minor imperfections, including patching and filling where necessary, and the canopy being refitted to the fuselage.
RAAF Commonwealth CA-30 (MB-326H) landing at RAAF Air Base Edinburgh in 1986. The Macchi’s last public appearance was at the 2001 Australian International Airshow at Avalon. photo via Wikipedia
Recently, a set of wings, including the control surfaces, was acquired for the aircraft. These wings are also awaiting the application of paint in the coming weeks. It is anticipated that the wings and fuselage will be primed by the end of August. Subsequent efforts will focus on preparing the tail assembly, fairings, and other minor components for repainting. Within several months, it is expected that the entire aircraft will be finished in its final color scheme. HFC has not yet revealed the chosen color scheme, which will be unveiled when the aircraft goes on display by the end of the year. The HFC team has dedicated many hours to the preparation of this aircraft for display and is very grateful to Ross Pay of Pays Aviation for making his paint shop and other facilities available to assist in the completion of this project.
Followers of this project will know that this CAC CA-30 Macchi MB-326H, Ex-RAAF A7-024, was produced in Australia by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation. Its first flight was on 30/07/68, and it was delivered to the RAAF on 07/08/68. During its RAAF service, the aircraft served with No. 2 Flying Training School and then with No. 25 Squadron, among other units. Following retirement from flying duties, the airframe was utilized as a training aid before it was disposed of and passed through several private owners. Eventually, the fuselage was offered for sale and passed to Hunter Fighter Collection through the generosity of a donor. The preservation of this aircraft type demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the Hunter Fighter Collection to preserve the memory and history of military aircraft and its people for this and future generations. For more information, visit www.hfcscone.org.au
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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